Of the four ticketed London 2012 test events taking place over the summer of 2011, the women's beach volleyball is also perhaps the most eye-catching. Taking place on a 'beach' on the Horse Guards Parade at the centre of Whitehall, the Prime Minister himself will probably be able to get a decent view from his window. What he'll see is 24 bikini-clad women's doubles teams battling for victory – and with it a big psychological boost ahead of The Big One a year later. Those who pay for a ticket in the 15,000-seat temporary arena will be afforded clear views across the central London skyline. The Brazilians are good.
The action is divided into preliminary rounds (Aug 9-12), quarter-finals (Aug 13), semi-finals and finals (Aug 14). Aug 9-12 is general admission; on Aug 13 and 14 reserved seating is in effect.